Giving back to society

WHILE some do it for the fame and others for the experience, Jayarubini Sambanthan took part in a beauty pageant to fulfil her dream of working and helping children.

The 23-year-old KLite was recently crowned Miss Global International Malaysia (MGIM) and is happy that things are slowly but surely moving in the direction she had hoped for.

“I have always wanted to work with children and even dreamed of opening a kindergarten. I want to focus on education, particularly improving their English because I believe good communication skills can help people go far,” she said.

Rubini, as she is usually called, said that she had noticed many students in her tertiary education institution were hampered by their poor English.

“Many are not able to communicate well in English. This is not necessarily their fault and could be due to the surroundings they were brought up in,” she said.

Her wish to do charitable work led Rubini to take part in another international beauty pageant last year where she was the third runner-up.

“A beauty pageant is a platform that is closely connected to charity work so I thought it would be the perfect place to begin fulfilling my dream,” Rubini said.

She added she was working with the pageant organisers on the charity work they would carry out during her tenure as Miss Global International Malaysia.

Rubini has previous modelling experiences including television commercials, catalogue work and she has also participated in the Malaysian International Fashion Week.

“I also participate in a local society’s activities where we take children from less fortunate families on fun outings.

“I love watching their excitement at simple things including going to the movies because
they have never done it before,” she said.

Rubini said it was wonderful to win the MGIM crown and do her family proud.

“It felt like a very big achievement.

“The pageant has taught me a lot about self-esteem, confidence, time management and even not to judge a book by its cover,” said Rubini, adding she plans to gain ACCA certification and then an early child education degree after obtaining an Account and Finance degree.

Who’s the person you look up to the most?

“My mother because her values have made me who I am today.”

If you could be an animal, what would it be?

“A peacock because it symbolises beauty.”

Ketchup or chilli sauce?

“Definitely chilli.”

Best vacation you had to date?

“I went to Penang with my mom recently and we had a great time bonding while going to the beach and eating out.”

What’s the last movie you watched in the cinema?

“It was a horror movie titled ‘As Above, So Below’, and it really creeped me out.”

Make-up by Ida Rahayu from MIGM

Hair by Sha Arab from MIGM

Wardrobe by Hari Haran from Ardana Haran

Photos by Art Chen

Model: Jayarubini Sambanthan
Born: August 23, 1991
Ethnicity: Indian and Nepalese
Fluent in: English and Malay

*StarMetro accepts requests to
feature both male and female modelling talents in The Mod Life. Those interested may send their enquiries to the writer via email.